Grant awarded for redevelopment of De Anza Motor Lodge

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An ongoing effort to redevelop another old motel along historic Route 66 is getting an infusion of cash from Bernalillo County.

County Commissioners unanimously approved a local economic development agreement with Anthea @ Nob Hill LLC for the De Anza Motor Lodge project.

The company had requested a $350,000 grant to help with new infrastructure for a 40-unit boutique hotel at the site.

Purchased by the City of Albuquerque in 2003, it took three attempts to secure Anthea as a development partner. The company will use some of the gross receipt taxes it collects to repay the grant awarded by the county.

As part of the project, some of the historic elements including the neon De Anza sign, the Zuni murals and the café's turquoise-studded floor will be preserved.